Murder of Indian taxi driver sparks chaos

Melbourne, 11 August (UNI) Chaos engulfed the rush hour traffic in Victorian capital city this afternoon as taxi drivers blocked city roads to protest against the killing of an Indian driver on Wednesday.

Rajneesh Joga, 27, a student of accountancy in a Melbourne college died from the injuries suffered in an unprovoked attack by a 20-year-old passenger. The accused is alleged to have earlier stolen a car and was running from police.

Some of the protesting drivers are reportedly shouting ''Down with (Premier) Steve Bracks'' in Hindi.

The government body controlling Victorian transport, Vic Roads has advised the motorists to avoid the Melbourne central business district where protest is being held.

Around 100 drivers have parked their taxis along Flinders Street and gathered at Federation Square near the iconic Flinders Street Station.

The Premier Steve Bracks, who had earlier attended an event in the Square, has refused to meet the protesters who also staged a 'sit-in'protest on the busy Flinders Street and Swantson Street intersection.

''The (alleged) killer was said to be under the influence of drugs so he would get away from Joga's murder easily,'' says Narinder Sharma a taxi driver while speaking to UNI.

''With the protest continuing indefinitely, motorists in the area are advised to avoid the area and remain patient on their journey,'' a Vic Roads statement said.

Public transport around CBD has also reportedly come to a standstill as buses and trams are caught in the ''extensive'' traffic jams.

The main thoroughfare in city, Flinders Street is reported to be the worst affected with trams lined up in the middle of the road for quite a distance.

A large number of the protesting taxi drivers, who are from South Asian backgrounds, had staged an impromptu protest and rally last night over safety conditions.

Eilyup Zaim, 20, of Broadmeadows, was charged with Rajneesh Joga's murder yesterday. He has also been charged for stealing a car and petrol. The accused appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody until October.

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